Transmigrated into a Historical GL Novel as the Scumbag Heroine - Chapter 19

In Qiu Family Village, Shen family’s servant Xiao Luzi deliberately wore a dull gray outfit, blending in at first glance with the local peasants. But in a village where everyone knew one another, his unfamiliar face still stood out.

It was the twelfth lunar month, and every household was busy preparing for the new year. In such a time, with people coming and going, gossip naturally flourished.

“Uncle He, who’s that young man?” someone asked.

The simple-looking old farmer recalled the string of copper coins he’d received the night before and replied with a grin, “Oh, that’s a relative from my nephew’s wife’s side. Name’s Xiao Lu.”

Xiao Luzi bowed and smiled, greeting each villager warmly, calling out “Uncle” and “Auntie” in turn—adapting surprisingly fast.

After Qiu Luo learned from Uncle Er Zhu that this man was a servant from the Shen family, she made a point of occasionally showing up nearby, each time making Xiao Luzi’s heart skip a beat.

He constantly feared being exposed, and the family that had taken him in was on edge as well.

Though he never said why he had come to Qiu Family Village, his behavior and casual probing into Qiu Luo and her brother made it obvious: he was there for the greenhouse and the watermelons.

So, whenever the villagers saw Qiu Luo, they’d get nervous.

Qiu Luo calmly watched from afar. After observing for two days and confirming only one man had been sent, she was somewhat relieved.

Meanwhile, over in town, when Cheng Yu heard that Shen Yanding had dispatched a servant to Qiu Family Village, she thought it over and promptly hired ten guards.

She wasn’t worried about the watermelons—she was worried about Qiu Luo.

As the daughter of the wealthiest family, Cheng Yu had long seen how those with power viewed the poor. In the eyes of the elite, lives had differing value. There was no such thing as true equality.

The county seat wasn’t far, and Cheng Yu’s maid soon arrived with the guards.

Qiu Luo stared at the courtyard full of guards that looked more like hired thugs, speechless.

She had only informed Cheng Yu so she could stay out of the male and female lead’s drama—not to invite an entire militia.

“Xiao Miao,” she said dryly, “don’t you think your young lady’s being a bit… excessive?”

Ten guards for a patch of watermelons? Seriously?

Xiao Miao clearly anticipated this reaction and relayed Cheng Yu’s exact words:

“Our young lady said: half will guard the greenhouse, half will stay with the Qiu family. It’s for the watermelons, yes—but even more so for Miss Qiu. This is also preparation for the future. Please make proper arrangements.”

Qiu Luo frowned slightly, and before she could reply, the little maid had already left, leaving the guards behind.

She clutched her coin pouch in dismay. Feeding so many people every day was going to be expensive. And where were they all going to sleep?

Cheng Yu was certainly generous… but would she reimburse the meal costs?

Qiu Erlang soon arrived to escort the guards to the greenhouse, clearly thrilled by the spectacle.

But by that evening, crammed into the woodshed with Uncle Er Zhu, his joy turned to misery.

“This isn’t going to work, Sis,” he complained the next morning. “All those people crammed into my room, while I’m stuck freezing in the shed with Uncle Er Zhu. How are we supposed to survive the winter like this?”

Qiu Luo sympathized. She glanced outside at the guards eating their meal and eventually kept only two with particularly sharp skills.

“You two stay,” she said. “The rest, return to Cheng Manor. If your young lady asks, just say there’s no space at the Qiu household. I’m really sorry.”

Back in town, Cheng Yu said nothing when the guards returned.

She hadn’t thought it through—too focused on protecting Qiu Luo and the greenhouse, forgetting that the Qiu household wasn’t like the Cheng estate. Housing and feeding so many people would be a burden.

Xiao Miao grumbled from the side.

“Miss, the Qiu family’s place is way too small. Honestly, it’s a miracle they can even fit Uncle Er Zhu. You should just marry Miss Qiu already—then she and her brother can come live with us.”

Move into the Cheng estate?

Cheng Yu cast a glance around the courtyard, her eyes pausing at the wing where Concubine Tang resided. If she had a choice, she wouldn’t let Qiu Luo move in at all. She’d rather the two of them find a quiet place to live away from all the household drama.

Then she froze.

Wait… weren’t they only in a contract marriage?

At most, they were business partners—only for six months. Once Cheng Yu regained control of her life, this arrangement would end.

So why would they get married? Why would they live together?

But… she couldn’t help thinking of Qiu Luo. And somehow, the idea of marrying that person didn’t feel so bad.

“Xiao Miao,” she asked softly, “do you… want me to marry Qiu Luo?”

Xiao Miao replied instinctively,

“Of course! You two are clearly fond of each other—getting married would be wonderful! As long as you’re happy, Miss, that’s all that matters.”

The little maid’s thoughts were simple. She didn’t care whether the future spouse was male or female, what their status was. As long as her young mistress was happy, that was enough.

To love is to be happy, she believed. It has to be a good thing.

Cheng Yu pursed her lips and fell silent.

But it was all fake. The engagement was fake. Even the mutual affection was fake.

For the first time, she felt a flicker of regret.

If only it weren’t a transaction… if only it weren’t a contract…

The thought crept in uninvited, making Cheng Yu frown deeply. She felt absurd, ridiculous.

They were just business partners. And here she was, foolishly wishing it could be real.

She forced herself to shake off those thoughts.

“Xiao Miao, come with me to the shops. Let’s get the signs hung today.”

All the signs bore the same branding: Qiu Family.

Qiu Family Inn, Qiu Family Tavern, Qiu Family Fruits, Qiu Family Beverages…

Her vision combined with Qiu Luo’s ideas—one small shop after another, dotting every street in the county.

Everything was ready, except the final spark: the seedless watermelons.

This was a high-stakes gamble. Cheng Yu had invested nearly all her savings, plus the dowry her mother had spent years managing.

Mother and daughter were taking this leap together—to escape the control of Father Cheng and Concubine Tang, and break free from their manipulations.

Behind them, a Shen family carriage continued to follow.

Xiao Miao peeked out through the curtain, glancing back warily.

“Miss, I think it’s Young Master Shen.”

The carriage in front stopped suddenly. Shen Yanding stepped out and approached.

Perhaps afraid of being misunderstood, he cupped his hands and said,

“Miss Cheng, what a coincidence. I’m on my way to the county school—just happened to pass by.”

Xiao Miao scoffed internally. “Coincidence”? He’s been trailing us for ages.

Cheng Yu’s expression remained neutral. She gestured for the driver to give way.

“Please, after you, Young Master Shen.”

Shen Yanding stiffened, the smile fading from his lips.

“Miss Cheng, may I have a word in private?”

He had grown up by Cheng Yu’s side. In everyone’s eyes, he was the perfect match for her—equal in status, talent, and reputation. How could that pauper Qiu Luo compare?

He couldn’t understand why Cheng Yu clung so tightly to someone like her.

Cheng Yu looked at him for a moment, then gave a slight nod.

Some things needed to be said—even if it would be unpleasant, even if it would hurt—better that than pointless entanglement.